Navan RFC in Argentina

Back in September the 'vets' of Navan headed off to Argentina to suss out one of Ireland's Rugby World Cup opponents first hand.

...Navan's Argentina touring side in blue, their Russian contingent in red and members of the Hurling Club in green...

In September 2006, Navan RFC's Golden Oldies/Over 35's travelled to Buenos Aries, Argentina for the World Vintage Rugby Carnival, this Carnival had teams from all over the world grouped into separate sections of 4 teams .

In Navan's group were two South African teams and an Argentine team, the Hurling Club of Buenos Aries. Navan's team was joined by 5 Russians from Moscow. All 3 games played over 5 days were most enjoyable, with Navan perplexing the opposition teams by performing their version of the Haka under the direction of Captain Richard Dixer Kelly and tour manager Stephen Mackarel in Irish!

After the week's rugby activities Navan were invited to the Hurling Club itself, this was a nostalgic visit as an Under 20's touring team from the Hurling Club had visited Navan back in 1987 staying three days with local families. A floodlit game was played at that time and a joint presentation was made to the Argentine-Irish visitors by Navan RFC and the local GAA club Navan O'Mahony's. With surnames like Geoghegan, Rush, McCormack etc. it was obvious that there was a strong Irish connection. The manager of the 1987 tourists Alejandro Yo-Yo Wade was one of the Hurling Club hosts in Buenos Aries.

...Navan's "Presidente de la delegacione" Brian Coyle receiving a presentation from one of the South African teams with two Miss Argentina's....

The Hurling Club Clubhouse itself was quite unique with Cead Mile Failte over the entrance, large maps of counties Longford & Westmeath (where most of the Argentine-Irish came from) and a stained glass partition of the Coats of Arms of 40 Irish families in the foyer and a picture of Bertie Ahern in the bar.

Tour President de le Delegation Brian Coyle gave a speech in English, Irish & Spanish and presented a mounted and engraved Sliothar & Caman to the Hurling Club.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.